Big Sky Wildflower Seed Mix

Fall Planting Instructions:

• Choose a location with 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily.

• Plant in late fall, after the season’s first hard frost (but before heavy snowfall), so seeds can naturally stratify over winter.

• Clear the area of all growth. Dig up vegetation, turn the soil, till if needed, and rake it flat. Remove all roots and root fragments as best you can - especially grass!

• Mix seeds with sand for visibility and scatter them on the soil.

• Lightly compress seeds into the soil (don’t bury them) by walking on them or using a board.

• Allow winter snows and spring rains to naturally provide moisture, but be ready to water if spring conditions are dry. 

Post-Planting Recommendations:

• Weed Control:  Mow regularly during the first year to manage weeds, but avoid cutting the wildflowers. Set the mower height to at least 4–6 inches to protect seedlings while suppressing weed growth. Stop mowing in early summer so annual sunflower has time to flower & seed. 

• Watering:  Water during dry spells in the first year to support establishment. After that, native wildflowers should thrive on natural rainfall.

• Mulching:  Apply a light layer of mulch, such as straw, to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid covering seeds too heavily, as they need light to germinate.

• Patience:  Growth may be slow in the first year as plants focus on root development. Full blooms typically appear in 2–3 years.

Fall is generally the best time to plant native wildflowers in the Mountain West. Planting in fall allows seeds to undergo natural cold stratification—a period of cold exposure that breaks dormancy and promotes spring germination. Additionally, fall planting ensures seeds are in place before winter, allowing them to absorb moisture from snow and benefit from cool temperatures that support strong establishment.

However, be sure to plant at least a few weeks before the ground freezes to give the seeds time to settle in.